Will data centers drive up your electric bill? Missouri lawmaker asks state regulators to step in
A Missouri lawmaker is urging state regulators to reject Ameren Missouri's proposed electric rate hike. He argues that residential customers should not subsidize the increased electricity demand from data centers and large-load users. The Missouri Public Service Commission is currently reviewing the rate request.
State Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis County) has formally petitioned the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to reject Ameren Missouri's proposed $343 million annual electric rate increase. Filed on September 14, Christ's comments emphasize that the projected 10% rate hike, which could add $156 annually to average residential bills, is largely driven by soaring electricity demand from new large-load customers, including data centers.
Christ argues that families in St. Louis County should not bear the financial burden of new infrastructure required by these massive power users. Ameren's filing anticipates a 60% surge in electricity sales over the next five years due to these customers. While Ameren projects a net financial benefit for residential customers, Christ, supported by Missouri’s Office of Public Counsel, calls for independent verification of these figures and insists that costs for accelerated power generation be assigned directly to large-load users.
The PSC is actively reviewing Ameren's rate request, which was originally filed in June, and is auditing financial records before issuing a final decision. The public has been invited to submit comments on the case.